Activities and reports from the Tree ID Team

Charge (2008 Jan 16)
- Figure out how we will identify trees in winter (leaf off).
- Develop a system to have a tree identified if we are on a plot and cannot identify it.
- Determine if we can recruit classmates / friends / volunteers who know their trees very well to go to plots with us

Tree ID Team report:

(1) Review session for ID of common RUF trees

In class refresher
Campus walk if needed – possibly after class/lab

George 22Jan - I have scheduled Thurs 7 Feb as a tree review time. The tree ID team is taking the lead on organizing this and will present the material.

(2) Field guides and winter ID keys (native trees)

Recommended guide: Peterson's Field Guide to Eastern Trees
Includes summer and winter ID key, color pictures, terms
Borders price: $20.00
Amazon.com price: $13.60 + shipping Link to book on Amazon

George 28 Jan - books are in


We can also make use of the Brahm and Preston NAT book that several of us should have from dendrology class, or any other guides we have. However, it is ideal to have atleast 1 guide with a winter key per group.

(3) ID of ornamental trees

List of Recommended plantings from Sally and how to ID them
Custom print out ID key &/or identifying characteristics
In process of finding possible horticulture department field help

George recommended contacting Will Hooker and Bryce Lane to see what kind of help we can get - 22 Jan

(4) In-field help

Sally and a team are willing to help if given notice in advance (ASAP)
In process of contacting past dendrology TAs

(5) If ID is unknown

If species is unknown, genera is acceptable
Carry clippers to remove small twigs if neither is known
Bring twig to Dr. Brahm for ID

George 22 Jan - we will need a procedure for labeling, photographing, etc

*Also, when going out to survey bring binoculars and digital cameras.

Neither binoculars nor clippers are available from equipment room. I can buy clippers (we need one?) but not binoculars (a bit expensive).


Helpful websites:
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/index.html
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/browsetrees.cfm
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/dendro/dendrology/factsheets.cfm

Step by step ID by either twig or leaf:
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/idit.htm

Winter ID:
http://www.oplin.org/tree/
http://uptreeid.com/key3.htm
http://www.neonaturalist.com/wintertree.html

Hannah has alerted me to this book which looks good if you have some extra cash or can find it in the library:

Fruit Key & Twig Key to Trees & Shrubs
William M. Harlow, PhD
QK481 .H3130 1959

http://product.half.ebay.com/_W0QQprZ172484QQcpidZ227656

Another source for good pictures of bark is the Audubon field guide for eastern trees.
Ask around for copies-it costs around twenty dollars new.
The more help you have in the field the better!